Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely young daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.

Originally, my tournament started as a way for me to get friends together to play competitive basketball in a tournament-style format. But after Christine's death in 2003, it held a greater purpose. The tournament now raises money for the Christine Rathke Memorial Scholarship Fund, which in turn helps a Franklin girls basketball player pay for college expenses.

This will be the 11th tournament, and, like each year, I'm trying to bring in the largest crowd yet. I am aiming for a 32-team tournament, which will be played on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at FranklinHigh School. As many of you know, I don't have massive funding resources available to me to buy advertising, so I'm left with paper flyers and contacting the media. I know this is not a large priority given all the other news going on in the state, but I wanted to let all of you know about it so you can decide what to do with the information. Either way, I'm grateful you're taking the time to read this e-mail.

With that, I have attached all the information you need to know more about this event. If you have any interest in doing a story or using this information in any way, please let me know. Again, I know all of you have more pressing needs, but I figured letting you know about this event won't hurt. It goes on whether or not I have media coverage.

I know this is early, but I will NEED to know your status as soon as possible. Look at your summer schedules and make this a priority.

And as you know, I need everyone's help in order to make this a success. I can't do it alone, and I've been grateful for everyone's participation over the years.

Most importantly, SPREAD THE WORD! This is not a one-man operation. I just organize it. You guys all make it possible. Help me, and all of us, keep this tradition alive.

-DJ Slater

P.S. For those who can't make it, but what to help, please consider donating to the Christine Rathke Memorial Fund. Send checks for any denomination to my Franklin address. Make checks payable to DJ Slater.

Again, if you know of anyone who wants to get a team together, send this information their way.

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